Melanie McQuaid, Victoria, B.C., Canada

Melanie McQuaid

PERSONAL: Born May 17, 1973…has a degree in biochemistry…raced with Canada’s National Cycling team for six years.

XTERRA EXPERIENCE: Sixth year.

2006 XTERRA U.S. Pro Series Champ
2006 XTERRA USA Champion
2003 & 2005 XTERRA World Champion

FINAL 2006 XTERRA U.S. PRO SERIES RANK: 1

FINAL 2006 XTERRA EUROPEAN TOUR RANK: NA

2002: Finished in the runner-up position in both the Nissan Xterra East and Central Championships before winning the West title at Half Moon Bay. Finished 4th at the USA Championship and was the runner-up in the Nissan Xterra Pro Points Series.

2003: Second at Big Bear and Richmond, won in Canada, and was 2nd in Tahoe. Finished second in the XTERRA Pro Points Series.

2004: Won the first race in Richmond, then finished runner-up to Whitmore in Keystone, Big Bear, and Tahoe. Also finished second in the XTERRA U.S. Pro Series. Won XTERRA Canada title last month. Placed second at XTERRA World Championship

2005: Won the Nissan Xterra West Championship in Temecula, CA, finished 7th at XTERRA Czech, won XTERRA Italy, placed 2nd in Richmond and Milwaukee, and won Keystone to tie Whitmore for the Series lead heading into Tahoe. Placed second in Tahoe and 2nd in the XTERRA U.S. Pro Points Series. Was 9th in the XTERRA European Tour standings. Became the first female to win her second XTERRA World Championship in Maui.

LAST YEAR: Finished 2nd at first race of the season in Temecula, won the inaugural Nissan Xterra Southeast Championship in Alabama, was second in Richmond and Milwaukee, and won the Mountain Championship in Utah to create a virtual tie with Whitmore for the XTERRA U.S. Pro Points Series lead, then won in Tahoe to capture her first Pro Series crown after three runner-ups. Won the XTERRA World Championship for an unprecedented third time.